The Forum, Los Angeles, 1973
The roar from the crowd was loud. Almost frightening. It sounded like there were sixteen thousand hungry animals screaming to be fed, and we were the food—well actually, the appetizers; the Rolling Stones were the main course.
The sixteen thousand–plus fans were there to see the greatest druggie rock band in the world, and we were about to be introduced into their world for the first time as the added feature act,
thanks to our record producer–manager Lou Adler, who knew everyone in the music business. At the time, he was the music business.
That sound of thousands of people clapping and cheering acts like a drug. Actually, the high is way better; it is a rush unequaled by any drug, illegal or otherwise, and the addiction can last a lifetime.
It’s the same rush that makes boxers risk life and limb by fighting way past their prime. That special sound of love and anticipation directed toward you, and only you, sends shivers up and down your spine.
A glow comes over your body and all of your senses switch to automatic.
Each moment becomes so huge, the flow of events is measured in microseconds, not minutes. And each second flows into the next so seamlessly that it’s over before you know it.
You leave the screaming crowd wringing wet with sweat, totally unaware of body pain, feeling only extreme bliss. All you feel at the time is the moment itself.
The Rolling Stones event was a benefit concert for Nicaraguan earthquake victims, hosted by Mick Jagger’s then wife, Bianca Jagger, at the Forum, the home of the Los Angeles Lakers.
It was 1973 and we had just recorded our first comedy album; opening for the Stones was Lou’s way of launching it. And now ladies and gentlemen, let’s get the show on the road.
Please welcome Ode Recording stars Cheech and Chong.
I thought, Well, there it is, folks, our first big-time introduction and he pronounced our name correctly, which was a first.
From Cheech & Chong: The Unauthorized Autobiography
video: [
www.youtube.com]
Personnel
Cheech Marin – vocal
George Harrison – electric guitar
Klaus Voorman – bass guitar
Jim Karstein – drums
Jim Keltner – percussion
Carole King – electric piano
Nicky Hopkins – piano
Tom Scott – saxophone
Billy Preston – organ
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020-09-10 08:46 by Toru A.